Israel and the United States on Saturday launched a “pre-emptive attack” against Iran, pushing the wider Middle East into a renewed conflict and dashing hopes for a diplomatic resolution to tensions between Tehran and Washington.
In a brief address, U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the U.S. has initiated “major combat operations” in Iran. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” he added, claiming Iran was the “world’s no. 1 sponsor of terror.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tel Aviv had launched a “pre-emptive” attack against Iran and declared a “special and immediate state of emergency” throughout the country. Israel has also closed its airspace to civilian flights. According to Reuters, an Israeli defense official has said the operation was proceeding in coordination with the U.S.
The defense official further claimed the operation was planned months ago, with the launch date decided a few weeks back.
In a statement posted on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to back regime change in Iran. “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” he said. “The time has come for all parts of the Iranian people—the Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis—to cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring freedom and peace-loving values to Iran,” he continued.
“I call on you, citizens of Israel, to heed the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, during Operation ‘Lion’s Roar,’ we will all be called upon to show patience and strength of spirit,” he added.
Shortly after the U.S. and Israel launched their airstrikes, the Israeli Defense Ministry posted on X that Iran had fired missiles toward it. “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel,” it said. “Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas,” it added.
The Israeli army has also warned Iranians in or near military infrastructure across Iran to evacuate to safer locations, after announcing it was conducting a “broad strike” on multiple military targets,
According to Iranian media, explosions have been heard in Tehran, with clouds of thick smoke visible over the capital city. “The type of explosions suggests that this is a missile attack,” said the Fars news agency, though it did not provide any further details. According to Reuters, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei has already been transferred to a secure location outside of Tehran.
Iran’s Tasmin news agency has said that Iranian news websites, including state-run IRNA, are facing cyberattacks. It said IRNA’s Telegram account remained operational but its website was no longer accessible.
The attack follows weeks of renewed talks between the U.S. and Iran, initiated in a bid to avoid the military conflict currently underway. According to media reports on the talks, Israel played the role of spoiler, demanding the dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure and restrictions on the country’s missile program. Iran, in response, said it was willing to consider curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for an end to decades of sanctions, but refused to link the issue to missiles.
Tehran also warned it would defend itself against any attack, warning neighboring countries it would target American bases on their soil if Washington initiated hostilities.
Last June, the U.S. had similarly joined an Israeli military campaign against Iranian nuclear installations. In retaliation, Tehran had launched missiles toward the U.S. Al Udeid air base in Qatar, as well as several missiles aimed at Israel.
Travel advisory
Both Iran and Iraq have closed their airspaces amidst aggression by Israel and the U.S. Meanwhile, Pakistan has issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Iran, urging them to “avoid all non-mandatory travel” for their safety and security.
“Pakistani nationals currently residing in Iran must exercise caution, remain vigilant, minimize non-essential travel, and stay in regular contact with the Pakistani Missions,” it said, providing contacts for all nationals in Tehran (+98-21-66-9413-88/89/90/91; +98-21-66-9448-88/90; +98 990 6824496); Zahidan (+98 54 33 22 3389; +98 90 46 145412); and Mashhad (+98 910 762 5302; +98 937 180 7175; +98 902 709 3994)
The U.S. embassies in Qatar and Bahrain, in separate statements, have told their staff to seek shelter and advised U.S. citizens to do the same.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had received a call from Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, during which they had reviewed the evolving situation in Iran and the wider region.
“[Dar] strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran and called for an immediate halt to escalation through urgent resumption of diplomacy to achieve a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis,” the statement added.
Explosions across Middle East
According to news outlets, there are reports of explosions in Doha, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Manama, and Riyadh. According to a Qatari official, these are Iranian missiles, launched after the U.S. and Israel jointly struck Tehran. The official said Qatar had intercepted two Iranian missiles over its country, while Bahrain said a center for the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters had been hit in a “missile attack.”